BEIJING, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on Thursday exchanged congratulatory messages to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between their countries.

In his message, Xi said that over the past 30 years, China and Bahrain have rendered each other respect and support, and forged a profound friendship, with bilateral ties steadily moving forward and their cooperation bearing rich fruit in various fields.

Noting that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Bahrain ties, Xi said he is willing to join efforts with King Hamad, seize the opportunities presented by the 30th anniversary of ties and the joint development of the Belt and Road, and lift bilateral cooperation in various fields to a new level, so as to bring benefits to both countries and peoples.

Hamad said in his message that the Bahraini side cherishes the strong friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields with China.

Bahrain will continue to commit to deepening and developing Bahrain-China relations, and wishes the Chinese people greater progress and achievements, Hamad said.